Trump whines that gag order forced him not to testify in fraud trial

Donald Trump admitted Tuesday he dodged testifying in own fraud trial because of a gag order banning him from commenting on court staff in his $250 million fraud trial.

Trump took to Truth Social Monday to decry both Justice Arthur Engoron — who has said he has received credible death threats during court proceedings — and Attorney General Letitia James.

“I wanted to testify on Monday, despite the fact that I already testified successfully, answering all questions having to do with the Fake, No Victims, No Jury lawsuit, thrown at me by the Corrupt Racist A.G., Letitia James, and presided over by a Trump hating judge who suffers from a massive case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, and is a puppet for the CROOKED A.G.” Trump wrote.

“Anyway, the Judge, Arthur Engoron, put a GAG ORDER on me, even when I testify, totally taking away my constitutional right to defend myself. We are appealing, but how would you like to be a witness and not be allowed free snd [sic] honest speech. THE TRIAL IS RIGGED. I DID NOTHING WRONG!!!”

This would have been Trump’s second appearance in the witness box since November, when he gave what legal experts described as disastrous testimony that strengthened James’ case

Trump has already been found liable for fraud in a summary ruling issued by Engoron before the trial began. The former president denies wrongdoing.

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The former president’s complaints about the absence of a jury are weakened by the fact that his attorney Alina Habba forgot to request one and, as Engoron explained in October, state law requires bench trials when remedies sought are equitable.

CNN legal experts say James’ demands — that Trump be banned from doing business in New York and to pay back ill-gotten gains — fit that bill.

Chris Kise reiterated Trump’s criticism of Engoron — who is not included in the gag order — in a statement provided to ABC News Tuesday.

"There is really nothing more to say to a Judge who has imposed an unconstitutional gag order and thus far appears to have ignored President Trump's testimony and that of everyone else involved in the complex financial transactions at issue in the case," Kise reportedly said.